WHAT IS...
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The internationally accepted defintion of Fair Trade was developed by the world's leading Fair Trade players and is as follows: "Fair Trade is a trading partnership, based on dialogue, transparency and respect, that seeks greater equity in international trade. It contributes to sustainable development by offering better trading conditions to, and securing the rights of, marginalized producers and workers - especially in the South. Fair Trade Organizations (backed by consumers) are engaged actively in supporting producers, awareness raising and campaigning for changes in the rules and practives of conventional trade." |
Fair Trade travels the world to spread the word! Hundreds of thousands of people have already hit the streets to celebrate and promote Organizations.
Politicians, celebrities, opinion leaders, Fair Trade producers, wholesalers, retailers and consumers all over the world have taken part. Fair Trade Organizations worldwide carry the banner with the FTO Mark on its Global Journey - on foot, by bicycle, rickshaw, elephant, bullock car and by bus. Press coverage has been impressive.
Setting off in January 2004 from one of the poorest districts in Mumbai (India), a banner showing the FTO Mark is being carried around the world. A message is read wherever the Journey goes, promoting the ideals of Fair Trade in supporting poor and marginalized producers and calling for greater equity in international trade.
Fair Trade Organizations all over the globe display the FTO Mark to show that they practice the principles of Fair Trade and believe a fairer world is possible.
What is a Fair Trade Organization?
Fair Trade Organizations are actively engaged in supporting producers, awareness raising and campaigning for changes in the rules and practices of conventional trade. IFAT prescribes 9 rigorous standards which Fair Trade Organizations must follow in their day-to-day work and carries out continuous monitoring to ensure these standards are upheld.
In brief, the 9 standards for Fair Trade are:
- Creating opportunities for economically disadvantaged producers; supporting the poorest producers
- Transparency and accountability; dealing fairly and openly with trading partners
- Capacity building; developing the skirts of producers and creating opportunities for trading their products
- Promoting Fair Trade; tenting as many people as possible about Fair Trade and informing customers where products have come from
- Payment of a fair price; ensuring that producers receive a fair price for their products
- Gender Equity; providing equal pay and opportunities for women and men
- Working conditions; ensuring that producers are working in a healthy and safe place
- Child Labour; ensuring that the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child is respected
- The Environment; ensuring that materials used in production and packing do not damage the environment
In return for adhering to these standards, Fair Trade Organizations that are registered by IFAT may use the Fair Trade Organization Mark on websites, catalogues and promotional literature.
IFAT ls the gtobat network of fair trade organizations. IFAT's mission is to improve the livelihoods and well being of disadvantaged producers by tanking and promoting fair trade organizations and speaking out for greater justice in world /trade.
IFAT has members in over 60 countries, encompassing approximately 1 million people, who all believe that trade should improve the lives of marginalized people without harming the planet - in other words, they believe in Fair Trade. Approximately 65% of our members are based in the south (that is: Asia, Africa and Latin America) with the rest coming from north America & the Pacific Rim and Europe. We are truly international!
Our members have the concept of Fair Trade at the heart of their mission and at the core of what they do. They come in many shapes and sizes and represent the Fair Trade chain from production to sale. Our members are producer co-operatives and associations, export marketing companies, importers, retailers, national and regional fair trade networks and financial institutions, dedicated to Fair Trade principles.
IFAT brings its members together to achieve the synergy of a network to…
- Develop the market for fair trade
- Build trust in fair trade
- Speak out for fair trade
Join IFAT
Membership is open to established Fair Trade Organizations and organizations that support Fair Trade. Associate membership is open to professional individuals. For membership benefits more information and registration forms, please visit www ifat.org and select “join now".
IFAT - The International Fair Trade Association
Prijssestraat 24 – 4101CR Culemborg - The Netherlands
Tel: +31 (0)345 535914 – Fax: +31 (0)8 47474401 – www.ifat.org
PREDA Fairtrade Products
Upper Kalaklan, Olongapo City, Philippines
Tel: +63 47 2239629 Fax: +63 47 2239628
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